Dawn Anderson

Dawn Rae Anderson, 75, of Henderson, passed away April 4, 2010. She was born in Genesee, Idaho, Sept. 24, 1934, to Ora Jane and Emmett Edward Stout. Her father's work resulted in her family moving around when she was a child. After living in Missoula, Mont., and Seagoville, Texas, the family moved to Santa Fe, N.M., where Dawn spent her junior high and high school years. Dawn attended Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Spokane, Wash., where she met the love of her life, Second Lt. Myrwin "Andy" Anderson. They eloped to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, June 9, 1956. Dawn and Andy lived throughout the United States and overseas because of Andy's work as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force and with United Airlines. Dawn's first daughter, Darla was born while they were stationed in Orlando, Fla. Her son, David and youngest child, Diane were born in Roswell, N.M. When Andy was stationed in Rhein Main Air Force Base, Germany, Dawn made sure her family explored Europe. She instilled in her children an appreciation of culture and travel by having them visit the great sites of Europe, including Rome, Venice, Paris, Hamburg, Munich, Madrid, Barcelona, and every art museum, zoo and castle they came across. Dawn also traveled to Israel, Egypt and Jordan by herself. Upon returning to the States, Dawn and her family moved across the United States (five times) as Andy finished his college degree and his service with the Air Force before going to work as a pilot for United Airlines. In 1974, Dawn and Andy purchased Lyons Hardware in Henderson, and moved their family for the last time from Chicago to Henderson. Having grown up in the West, Dawn felt she was returning home. And having spent so much of her life moving, Dawn was content to make Henderson her home town. Dawn made every day count. She loved exploring -- by hiking or biking -- the Nevada desert and surrounding mountains. A dedicated conservationist, Dawn encouraged family and friends to clean up the desert. Dawn's involvement in politics as a liberal Democrat and feminist ranged all levels from maintaining the integrity of her neighborhood to volunteering and campaigning in state races to the most recent presidential election. Dawn participated in Retired Officers Wives Club and was active in Christ Lutheran Church, in Boulder City. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Diane Jane Anderson Cooper. Dawn is survived by her husband, of 54 years, Myrwin "Andy"; children, Darla Anderson and David Anderson; grandsons, Dallas Cooper and Dylan Cooper and his wife, Jordan; great-grandchildren, Dakota B'West Cooper and Dallas Diane Cooper; and sister, Dixie Fram Stout. Visitation will be 2-7 p.m. Thursday, April 8, at Palm Mortuary, 800 S. Boulder Highway, in Henderson. Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 9, at Christ Lutheran Church, 1401 5th St., in Boulder City, with a luncheon to follow at the church's Fellowship Hall. Dawn will be buried Monday, April 12, at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Boulder City. Donations can be made to Christ Lutheran Church, Boulder City, or to Friends of the Desert Wetlands.